Hi and welcome back to The Visual Aspect. On the blog I share tips and tricks to help you build a wardrobe of essential staple pieces. Today I am covering the topic of cleaning out your closet. It is the beginning of the year and spring cleaning is right around the corner. Like many of you, I also get a little overwhelmed on where to start with cleaning and organizing my closet.
You may have asked yourself, “I know I haven’t worn this cute top now, but what if I want to in the future?”
That is a valid question and it will come up as you are going through this process. However, if you follow these tips you will have a clutter-free closet! That way you can easily pull outfits from each morning and start your day off right.
I am sharing with you 3 ways to help you declutter your closet. Follow these tips, stick with it, and you will be well on your way to building your new wardrobe.
Complete the Wardrobe Audit
About two weeks ago I created a wardrobe audit for you to take and this will determine the status of wardrobe. It is a very general description of your wardrobe (because I don’t know what you have personally). However, it does give you kind of a starting point on what you should do next. That blog post is full of great info and I have the link to it HERE
First Pass
Okay, so you’ve completed the wardrobe audit and received your profile back. Now you have more of an idea about your wardrobe and where you need to make progress. Now its time to dive in and make that first pass in that closet space. As you are working your way through your closet and drawers ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I worn this in the past 12 months?
- If it is damaged(ripped, broken zipper, stained, holes, etc), and will I ACTUALLY go and get it repaired
- Does it fit?
- Will I ever wear it again?
- Do I feel confident wearing this?
The Magical Three Categories
This last step is the good old fashion Keep, Donate/Sell, and Trash/Recycle piles. I don’t think this method will ever get old and I still use it to this day.
Option 1: Sell
When you need to get rid of the items that you have, but they are in good condition, a great way to make a profit is to sell. It would be anyone’s dream to sell your old stuff and new clothes magically appear in your closet, but in reality, it is expensive! eBay and Amazon are not the only selling services available anymore.
If you want to sell online there is Poshmark, eBay, Amazon, and Mercari. Poshmark is great with and has a 20% commission fee. Also, Mercari is the latest up and coming app and they do not charge to list items for sale.
If you want to sell in the store and get an immediate profit there are places like Plato’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange. You bring all of the items you want to sell, they choose which ones they want, and then give you money for it the same day. The items they do not want, you can either take back or have them donate to charity.
Option 2: Donate
Donating is another great way to get rid of unwanted items, but also put them in the hands of someone who truly needs them. Here are a couple of places you can take your items too:
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Dress For Success helps the financial independence of disadvantaged women, not only offering them support and development tools to further their career, but also professional attire for interviews and jobs.
- Cinderella Project- is a great organization to donate any old prom dresses or evening wear!
Option 3: Toss
There isn’t much to explain here. If it has to go, it needs to go! If you still haven’t gotten that stain out, fixed the hole or rip in that top, or the zipper is still broken….let it go. I promise it’ll be ok and you probably forgot you still had it until now. If there are any older pairs of let’s say jeans or denim, for example, DON’T THROW THEM AWAY! There are places like H&M and Madewell that recycles your used denim. They even give you a discount on your next purchase if you donate to them.
Are you ready to tackle your closet? I think you got this! Just remember; Wardrobe Audit, First Pass, and The Three Magical Categories. Be sure to take the wardrobe audit by signing up below.
Best of luck to you all and your closet cleaning adventures! If you have any questions for me, leave me a comment below:)
